The global chess community is poised for a highly anticipated event as Singapore prepares to host the 2024 FIDE World Championship final. This prestigious competition will take place from November 25 to December 13, 2024, showcasing a remarkable showdown between Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren, the reigning world champion, and Gukesh Dommaraju, an exceptionally gifted young chess player from India.
The venue for this grand tournament is Resorts World Sentosa, situated on Sentosa Island, Singapore, which offers a scenic backdrop fit for a championship of this magnitude. Both players will compete in a match format comprising up to 14 classical games, with the first to reach 7.5 points being crowned champion. The chess event incorporates a rigorous time control structure: players will have 120 minutes for the initial 40 moves, followed by 60 minutes for the next 20, and 15 minutes for subsequent moves, supplemented by a 30-second increment after the 61st move. Importantly, players cannot agree to a draw before the 41st move.
If the championship reaches a tie, a series of rapid playoff games will determine the winner. These tie-breaks will commence with four rapid games, each reflecting a time control of 25 minutes with a 10-second increment, transitioning into additional knockout rounds if necessary until a victor is found.
Ding Liren, hailing from Wenzhou, China, made history by becoming the first Classical FIDE World Champion from his nation in 2023 after defeating Russian Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi. His career has been characterized by significant milestones, including winning the Chinese Chess Championship at a young age and consistently ranking among the top players in the world.
On the other hand, Gukesh Dommaraju, known simply as Gukesh D, has already made notable strides at just 18 years old. A product of Chennai, which is recognized as a hub for chess in India, Gukesh made history as the second-youngest grandmaster globally and the youngest winner of the Candidates Tournament. His recent ascension to this championship match has garnered enthusiastic support from the Indian chess community and beyond.
As the championship approaches, comparisons to historical chess battles, such as the famed Fischer-Spassky match during the Cold War, have emerged, reflecting the cultural significance and competitive spirit of this remarkable final. With a prize fund of .5 million at stake, anticipation mounts for what promises to be an exhilarating two weeks of chess excellence.
The FIDE World Chess Championship final not only highlights the individual brilliance of two incredible players but also underscores the united representation of Asian talent on the world stage, offering a beacon of inspiration and pride for nations and chess enthusiasts alike.
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